Audio T Verdict
Sonos Sub 4 is not simply about making everything louder or rattling the windows. Its biggest contribution is allowing the rest of a compatible Sonos system to stop working so hard at the very lowest frequencies. The result can be deeper bass, certainly, but also a cleaner and more effortless presentation through the midrange and upper frequencies.
The dual inward-facing woofer arrangement is particularly clever. The two drivers work against each other mechanically, cancelling much of the cabinet vibration that can make conventional subwoofers buzz or shake. Combine that with bass extension down to 25Hz and Sub 4 has the physical scale required for blockbuster films, electronic music, orchestral recordings and anything else where the lowest octave really matters.
It is also unusually easy to accommodate for such a substantial subwoofer. There is no signal cable back to the soundbar or speakers, it can stand upright or lie flat beneath suitable furniture, and Trueplay can optimise the complete Sonos system around the final position. Sub Mini remains the more proportionate option for smaller systems, but if you have Arc Ultra, Arc, Beam, Five, Era 300 or Era 100 and want the full Sonos bass experience, Sub 4 is the obvious step up.
Sonos Sub 4 Wireless Subwoofer
Sonos Sub 4 is the latest generation of the company's full-size wireless subwoofer, designed to add powerful low-frequency extension to compatible Sonos soundbars, speakers and home cinema systems.
Two large 5 x 8-inch elliptical woofers face each other inside the distinctive central acoustic opening. By operating in opposition, they create a force-cancelling effect that substantially reduces unwanted cabinet vibration while producing bass extension down to 25Hz.
- Premium full-size Sonos wireless subwoofer
- Dual Class-D digital amplifiers
- Two 5 x 8-inch elliptical woofers
- Inward-facing driver arrangement
- Force-cancelling acoustic architecture
- Designed to minimise unwanted vibration and distortion
- Ported cabinet
- Bass extension as low as 25Hz
- Automatic system equalisation
- Trueplay integration
- Adjustable Sub Level
- 0° / 180° phase adjustment where applicable
- WiFi 6 radio
- 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi
- 10/100 Ethernet
- Quad-core processor
- 4 x A55 1.9GHz CPU
- 512MB DDR4 memory
- 4GB eMMC storage
- Upright placement
- Horizontal placement
- Suitable for positioning beneath furniture
- Compatible with Arc Ultra
- Compatible with Arc
- Compatible with Beam (Gen 2)
- Compatible with Beam (Gen 1)
- Compatible with Ray
- Compatible with Sonos Five
- Compatible with Era 300
- Compatible with Era 100
- Compatible with Sonos Amp
- Dual-Sub home cinema support
- Current Sonos app required
- Black and White finishes
- Updated matte finish
Why Add a Subwoofer to Sonos?
A subwoofer is responsible for the lowest part of the audible frequency range.
These frequencies demand considerably more movement from a loudspeaker driver than the midrange and treble, so asking a compact soundbar or wireless speaker to reproduce them can use a significant proportion of its available excursion and amplifier headroom.
Adding Sub 4 allows the Sonos system to redirect those lowest frequencies to a product specifically designed to reproduce them.
It Is Not Just About More Bass
Sonos specifically highlights that when Sub 4 takes over the lowest frequencies, the paired soundbar or speakers can concentrate on the midrange and treble.
This can make dialogue clearer, music feel more open and the overall system sound less strained at higher listening levels.
Think of Sub 4 as Sharing the Workload
The obvious benefit is deeper bass, but removing the most demanding low frequencies from the main soundbar or speakers can improve the way the rest of the system performs too.
Dual 5 x 8-Inch Elliptical Woofers
Sub 4 contains two large elliptical woofers measuring approximately five by eight inches each.
Their elongated shape allows a large effective radiating area to fit within Sub 4's unusually slim cabinet.
Inward-Facing Driver Design
The two woofers face towards each other inside the central acoustic opening.
As one driver's moving assembly generates force in one direction, the other produces an opposing mechanical force.
This is the basis of Sonos' force-cancelling design.
Force-Cancelling Architecture
Conventional subwoofers can transmit a surprising amount of mechanical energy into their own cabinets.
That energy can contribute to buzzing, rattling or unwanted vibration from the enclosure and nearby furniture.
Sub 4's opposed driver arrangement is designed to cancel much of that physical reaction force while the acoustic bass output combines in the room.
Why Reduced Cabinet Vibration Matters
The subwoofer should ideally reproduce the bass contained in the programme rather than adding noises from its own enclosure.
Reducing cabinet vibration helps Sub 4 remain more controlled when playing the deep, high-energy material found in film effects and modern music.
Two Class-D Amplifiers
Each woofer is driven by a dedicated Class-D digital amplifier.
The amplifiers are tuned specifically around Sub 4's acoustic architecture, allowing the electronics, drivers and enclosure to operate as an integrated system.
Ported Cabinet
Sub 4 uses a ported enclosure to reinforce low-frequency output.
The distinctive opening through the cabinet is therefore part of the acoustic design rather than simply a styling feature.
Do Not Obstruct the Acoustic Opening
At least one side of Sub 4's central slot should remain unobstructed. If the subwoofer is positioned upright against a wall, do not block the front of the opening.
Bass Extension Down to 25Hz
Sonos specifies Sub 4's frequency response as extending as low as 25Hz.
That reaches well into the deep-bass region associated with film effects, synthesised bass, large drums, pipe organ and the low-frequency atmosphere contained in many modern recordings.
What Does 25Hz Mean?
The lowest conventional piano note is around 27.5Hz, so a 25Hz specification places Sub 4 within a genuinely deep part of the audible spectrum.
Much of this region is experienced physically as much as it is heard through the ears.
Home Cinema With Arc Ultra
Sonos Arc Ultra is the natural flagship partner for Sub 4.
Arc Ultra already provides unusually substantial low-frequency performance for a soundbar, but Sub 4 moves the deepest bass into a dedicated enclosure and gives the complete system considerably more physical scale.
Sub 4 and Dolby Atmos
Sub 4 does not create Dolby Atmos channels of its own.
Instead, it reproduces the low-frequency content while Arc Ultra and any compatible Era 300 surrounds handle the directional and height information.
A complete system can therefore combine:
- Arc Ultra at the front
- Era 300 speakers for spatial rear channels
- Sub 4 for dedicated low frequencies
Home Cinema With Sonos Arc
Sub 4 is also compatible with the original Sonos Arc.
The addition of a dedicated subwoofer can give film soundtracks considerably more weight while freeing Arc from having to reproduce the lowest bass itself.
Home Cinema With Beam (Gen 2)
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) can also be paired with Sub 4.
This creates an interesting combination: a compact front soundbar with a substantially more capable low-frequency system than its size would otherwise suggest.
Home Cinema With Ray
Sonos Ray supports Sub 4 too.
It is technically a fully supported combination, although Sub Mini will often be the more proportionate bass upgrade for the smaller rooms and televisions where Ray is typically used.
Sub 4 With Sonos Five
Sonos Five already produces considerable bass on its own, but Sub 4 can take a single Five or stereo Five pair considerably further.
The dedicated subwoofer handles the lowest frequencies while the Fives concentrate on the rest of the music.
Sub 4 With Era 300
Sonos Era 300 is another current recommended music partner.
Adding Sub 4 can increase low-frequency scale while allowing Era 300 to concentrate more of its resources on its forward, side and upward-firing spatial presentation.
Sub 4 With Era 100
Sonos Era 100 can also be paired with Sub 4.
This can create a surprisingly powerful compact music system, particularly when two Era 100 speakers are configured as a conventional stereo pair.
Sub 4 With Sonos Amp
Sonos Amp can use a compatible Sonos Sub wirelessly as an alternative to its conventional RCA subwoofer output.
This allows passive loudspeakers powered by Amp to benefit from Sub 4 while keeping the low-frequency connection wireless.
Sub 4 Does Not Work With Every Sonos Product
Current Sonos compatibility specifically excludes Sub 4 from several older products.
These include:
- Playbar
- Playbase
- Play:1
- Play:3
- Play:5 (Gen 2)
- Connect:Amp
- SYMFONISK Bookshelf (Gen 1)
- SYMFONISK Table Lamp (Gen 1)
Check Older Sonos Equipment Before Ordering
Sub 4 has different compatibility rules from some earlier generations of Sonos Sub. If you are adding it to a legacy Sonos system, check the exact speaker or soundbar model rather than assuming compatibility.
No Compatibility With Portable Sonos Speakers
Sonos Sub products cannot be bonded directly with the company's portable range.
Sub 4 therefore cannot be paired with:
- Move
- Move 2
- Roam
- Roam 2
- Roam SL
No Compatibility With Sonos Port
Sub 4 cannot be bonded directly with Sonos Port.
Port is an unamplified network streamer intended to feed an existing audio system rather than operate as a standalone Sonos speaker room.
One Sub 4 or Two?
One Sub 4 is more than enough for many rooms.
A second compatible full-size Sub can be added to selected Sonos home cinema configurations where greater bass output or more even low-frequency coverage across a larger listening area is required.
Dual Sub 4 With Arc Ultra
Arc Ultra supports current dual-Sub configurations using:
- Two Sub 4 units
- Two Sub (Gen 3) units
- One Sub 4 and one Sub (Gen 3)
If a Sub 4 forms part of an Arc Ultra dual-Sub setup, its partner must therefore be another Sub 4 or Sub (Gen 3).
Dual Sub With Arc
When Sub 4 is used in a dual-Sub Arc system, Sonos currently allows it to be paired with:
- Another Sub 4
- Sub (Gen 3)
Dual Sub With Beam
Beam (Gen 1) and Beam (Gen 2) also support dual Sub configurations.
If one of those subwoofers is Sub 4, the second can be another Sub 4 or Sub (Gen 3).
Dual Sub With Ray
Current Sonos support also allows Ray to operate with two compatible full-size Subs.
A Sub 4 can be partnered with another Sub 4 or a Sub (Gen 3).
Two Subs Are About More Than Maximum Volume
A dual-subwoofer system can provide greater output, but it can also help distribute low frequencies more evenly across a large seating area. Whether a second Sub is worthwhile depends heavily on the room.
Dual Sub Is Primarily a Home Cinema Feature
Sonos documents dual-Sub operation for compatible home cinema rooms.
A standalone Era or Five music room should not be assumed to support two full-size Subs simply because the individual speaker supports one.
Sub 4 or Sub Mini?
Sub 4 and Sonos Sub Mini both add dedicated bass to compatible Sonos systems, but they are aimed at different room and system scales.
Sonos Sub 4
- Full-size premium subwoofer
- Dual 5 x 8-inch elliptical woofers
- Force-cancelling architecture
- 25Hz bass extension
- Ideal for larger rooms
- Natural partner for Arc Ultra and Arc
- Excellent with Five, Era 300 and Era 100
- Dual-Sub home cinema support
- WiFi 6
- 11.79kg
Sonos Sub Mini
- Compact wireless subwoofer
- Much smaller footprint
- Lower purchase price
- Well suited to smaller rooms
- Natural partner for Beam and Ray
- Excellent with Era 100
- Easier to conceal
- No dual-Sub home cinema role
- Useful where Sub 4 is physically excessive
Which Sonos Subwoofer Should You Choose?
Sub Mini is likely to be the more balanced choice for smaller rooms, Ray systems and modest music setups.
Sub 4 becomes increasingly worthwhile as the room gets larger, listening levels rise or the rest of the system moves towards Arc Ultra, Arc, Era 300 or Five.
Sub 4 Compared With Sub (Gen 3)
Sub 4 retains the familiar full-size Sonos Sub form while updating the internal electronics for the current Sonos platform.
The principal new-generation changes highlighted by Sonos include:
- Faster processor
- More memory
- WiFi 6 radio
- Updated matte finish
- Lower idle power consumption
Sub 4 is therefore the current full-size model and the natural choice when buying new for a modern Sonos system.
WiFi 6
Sub 4 introduces a newer WiFi 6 radio to the full-size Sonos Sub platform.
Current Sonos specifications list compatibility with suitable 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax broadcast-capable networks across 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
Why Does a Subwoofer Need WiFi?
There is no conventional RCA audio cable between Sub 4 and the paired Sonos speaker.
The bass signal is transmitted as part of the Sonos system, allowing the subwoofer to sit elsewhere in the room without running a long interconnect from the television or amplifier.
10/100 Ethernet
A physical 10/100 Ethernet socket is also provided.
This allows Sub 4 to be hard-wired to a network where an appropriate wired installation is preferred.
WPA3 Network Security
Current Sonos network support includes WPA3 security for Sub 4 alongside WPA and WPA2.
Faster Internal Processor
Sub 4 uses a quad-core processor with four A55 cores running at 1.9GHz.
This is part of the updated internal platform introduced for the fourth-generation model.
512MB DDR4 and 4GB eMMC
Sonos currently specifies:
- 512MB DDR4 memory
- 4GB eMMC storage
These internal resources support the current software platform and provide greater processing headroom than earlier generations.
Lower Idle Power Consumption
Sonos says Sub 4 reduces idle power consumption by up to 50% compared with previous-generation operation.
Current Sonos measurements give approximately 1.89W at 230V while idle.
That matters because a networked subwoofer will spend a significant proportion of its life powered and waiting for playback.
Trueplay Integration
Trueplay measures the acoustic behaviour of the room and adjusts the complete compatible Sonos system accordingly.
When Sub 4 is part of the room, its contribution is included in that tuning process.
Trueplay Depends on the Paired Sonos Product
Sub 4 does not need its own independent microphone-based tuning routine.
The available Trueplay method depends on the compatible soundbar or speakers to which it is bonded.
Newer products such as Arc Ultra, Era 100 and Era 300 offer newer tuning options, while some other Sonos products use the traditional compatible-iOS-device Trueplay process.
Run Trueplay After Finding the Final Sub Position
Experiment with placement first. Once Sub 4 is staying where you want it, run or re-run Trueplay so the system is calibrated around the actual room and final location.
Automatic System Equalisation
When Sub 4 is added to a compatible Sonos room, the system automatically adjusts its audio settings to integrate the subwoofer with the paired speakers.
You can then fine-tune the final balance from the Sonos app.
Adjustable Sub Level
The Sub Audio menu includes a dedicated Sub Level control.
This allows the amount of bass to be increased or reduced without changing the overall volume of the complete Sonos room.
How High Should Sub Level Be?
More is not automatically better.
A well-integrated subwoofer should extend the system naturally rather than drawing constant attention to itself.
Start around the default position and adjust according to the room, listening distance and programme material.
Phase Control
The Sonos app provides 0° and 180° phase options.
If bass appears unexpectedly weak at the normal listening position, changing phase can alter the way Sub 4 combines with the main speakers.
When Trueplay is active, the phase relationship is set as part of the tuning process and manual phase control is unavailable until Trueplay is disabled.
Turn Sub 4 On and Off in the App
Sub audio can be toggled without removing the subwoofer from the room.
This is useful for comparing the complete system with and without Sub 4 or for temporarily reducing low-frequency output.
Placement Is More Flexible Than You Might Expect
Low frequencies behave differently from treble, so a subwoofer does not need to sit directly beneath the television or between a stereo speaker pair.
Sonos allows Sub 4 to be placed:
- Beside the television
- Against a wall
- In a corner
- Beside furniture
- Behind furniture
- Under suitable furniture
- Upright
- Horizontally
Upright Placement
The familiar vertical orientation shows Sub 4's sculptural cabinet and central acoustic slot.
If it is placed close to a wall, make sure the front opening of the acoustic slot remains unobstructed.
Horizontal Placement
Sub 4 can also be laid flat on the floor.
This is useful when you want to position it beneath a sofa or another suitable piece of furniture.
Leave 25mm Clearance Above a Horizontal Sub 4
Sonos specifies at least approximately 25mm / 1 inch of clearance above Sub 4 when it is lying horizontally beneath furniture.
Do not place objects directly on top of the cabinet.
Do Not Wedge Sub 4 Tightly Under Furniture
Leave at least approximately 25mm of space above the cabinet and keep the acoustic slot clear so the subwoofer can operate as intended.
Optional Felt Feet for Horizontal Placement
Sonos allows permanent felt feet to be attached when Sub 4 is being used in its horizontal orientation.
This can help protect flooring and give the cabinet a suitable contact surface.
Corner Placement
Positioning a subwoofer close to walls or in a corner can increase the apparent amount of low-frequency energy in the room.
This can be helpful, but it can also produce too much bass in certain spaces.
Trueplay and the Sub Level control provide useful tools for fine-tuning the result after placement.
Try More Than One Position
Small changes in subwoofer position can have surprisingly large effects at the listening seat because low-frequency wavelengths interact strongly with the room dimensions.
If one location sounds boomy or strangely weak, try another position before assuming the subwoofer needs large EQ changes.
The Central Slot Is Also a Handle
Sonos identifies the acoustic opening as a practical lifting point when moving Sub 4.
At nearly 12kg, however, the subwoofer should still be lifted carefully with appropriate technique.
Sub 4 Weighs 11.79kg
Use the acoustic slot to obtain a secure grip and lift carefully. Do not drag the cabinet across delicate flooring when changing position.
Matte Black or White
Sub 4 is available in Black and White with a matte finish.
The updated surface treatment aligns the full-size subwoofer more closely with current Sonos products such as Arc Ultra and Era speakers.
Dimensions
Sub 4 measures:
- Height: 389mm
- Width: 402mm
- Depth: 158mm
- Weight: 11.79kg
Why Is Sub 4 So Thin?
The opposed elliptical woofer arrangement allows Sonos to create a relatively shallow enclosure compared with many conventional large subwoofers.
The 158mm depth is one reason horizontal placement beneath suitable furniture is practical.
Internal Universal Power Supply
Sub 4 uses an internal power supply rated for 100–240V AC at 50/60Hz.
There is no external power brick to accommodate.
Two-Metre Power Cable
A two-metre mains cable is supplied.
The audio connection to the rest of the Sonos system is wireless, but Sub 4 itself still needs a nearby mains outlet.
Wireless Audio Still Requires Mains Power
Sub 4 does not use an audio interconnect to the soundbar or speakers, but it is not battery powered. Plan a suitable electrical outlet near the intended position.
Current Sonos App Required
Sub 4 requires the latest generation of the Sonos app.
It is not compatible with the legacy Sonos S1 Controller.
Sub 4 Is Not an S1 Product
This is particularly important if the subwoofer is being added to an older Sonos system.
If the existing room is still running entirely on S1, Sub 4 cannot simply be added to it.
Simple Setup
There is very little physical connection required:
- Set up the compatible Sonos speaker or home cinema product first.
- Place Sub 4 in the intended location.
- Connect the supplied mains power cable.
- Open the current Sonos app.
- Select the compatible room.
- Choose the option to connect a Sub.
- Follow the app instructions.
No Audio Cable Required
Sub 4 receives its programme information through the Sonos system rather than through an RCA or conventional subwoofer interconnect.
This makes it far easier to experiment with room placement.
Change the Paired Sonos Room Later
Sub 4 does not have to stay permanently bonded to the first product with which it was configured.
It can be removed from one compatible Sonos room and added to another through the app.
If the subwoofer is physically moved and disconnected from power, allow it to reconnect fully before changing its room assignment.
Recommended Sub 4 Setup Routine
- Confirm the main Sonos soundbar or speaker is compatible with Sub 4.
- Make sure the existing Sonos system is running the current app rather than S1.
- Choose a likely initial position for Sub 4.
- Keep at least one side of the acoustic opening unobstructed.
- If lying Sub 4 flat beneath furniture, leave at least 25mm clearance above it.
- Connect the supplied two-metre mains cable.
- Open the Sonos app.
- Select the room containing the compatible speaker or soundbar.
- Choose Connect Sub.
- Follow the setup prompts.
- Play familiar music or film material.
- Experiment with another physical position if bass sounds uneven.
- Adjust Sub Level to suit the room.
- Check phase if bass seems unusually weak and Trueplay is not active.
- Once the final position is chosen, perform the appropriate Trueplay tuning for the paired Sonos system.
- Recheck Sub Level after Trueplay.
- If using a large compatible home cinema room, consider whether a second compatible full-size Sub would provide worthwhile additional coverage.
Key Features
- Sonos Sub 4
- Premium wireless subwoofer
- Two Class-D amplifiers
- Dual 5 x 8-inch elliptical woofers
- Inward-facing woofer configuration
- Force-cancelling architecture
- Reduced cabinet vibration
- Ported enclosure
- 25Hz bass extension
- Automatic system EQ
- Trueplay integration
- Sub Level control
- 0° / 180° phase control
- WiFi 6 radio
- 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax
- 2.4GHz WiFi
- 5GHz WiFi
- WPA3 support
- 10/100 Ethernet
- Quad-core processor
- 4 x A55 cores
- 1.9GHz CPU
- 512MB DDR4
- 4GB eMMC
- Lower idle power consumption
- Approx. 1.89W idle at 230V
- Upright placement
- Horizontal placement
- Under-furniture positioning
- 25mm minimum overhead clearance when horizontal
- Acoustic-slot lifting handle
- Optional felt feet for horizontal use
- Arc Ultra compatibility
- Arc compatibility
- Beam Gen 1 compatibility
- Beam Gen 2 compatibility
- Ray compatibility
- Five compatibility
- Era 300 compatibility
- Era 100 compatibility
- Sonos Amp compatibility
- Dual-Sub home cinema support
- Sub 4 plus Sub Gen 3 dual configuration
- Two Sub 4 dual configuration
- No portable Sonos pairing
- No Port pairing
- No Playbar compatibility
- No Playbase compatibility
- Current Sonos app required
- No S1 Controller compatibility
- Internal universal power supply
- 2m mains cable included
- 389mm height
- 402mm width
- 158mm depth
- 11.79kg weight
- Black finish
- White finish
- Matte finish
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sonos Sub 4 still current?
Yes. Sub 4 is the current full-size premium Sonos wireless subwoofer.
How many woofers does Sub 4 have?
Two 5 x 8-inch elliptical woofers.
How many amplifiers are inside?
Two Class-D digital amplifiers.
How low does Sub 4 play?
Sonos specifies bass extension as low as 25Hz.
Is Sub 4 sealed?
No. Sonos specifies a ported cabinet.
Why do the woofers face each other?
The opposing movement creates a force-cancelling effect designed to minimise unwanted cabinet vibration and distortion.
Does Sub 4 shake less than a conventional subwoofer?
The opposed driver architecture is specifically designed to reduce mechanical cabinet vibration, although very deep bass can naturally make other loose objects in a room vibrate.
Does adding Sub 4 improve anything besides bass?
Yes. Sonos redirects the lowest frequencies to Sub 4 so the paired soundbar or speakers can concentrate more heavily on the midrange and treble.
Does Sub 4 work with Arc Ultra?
Yes.
Does it work with the original Arc?
Yes.
Does Sub 4 work with Beam Gen 2?
Yes.
Does it work with Beam Gen 1?
Yes.
Does Sub 4 work with Ray?
Yes.
Does it work with Sonos Five?
Yes.
Does it work with Era 300?
Yes.
Does it work with Era 100?
Yes.
Does Sub 4 work with Sonos Amp?
Yes, in supported Sonos Amp configurations.
Does Sub 4 work with Playbar?
No. Current Sonos guidance excludes Playbar from Sub 4 compatibility.
Does it work with Playbase?
No.
Does it work with Play:1?
No.
Does it work with Play:3?
No.
Does Sub 4 work with Play:5 Gen 2?
No. This is one area where older Sub generations have broader legacy compatibility than Sub 4.
Can I pair Sub 4 with Move 2?
No. Sonos Sub products cannot be bonded directly with Move products.
Can I pair it with Roam 2?
No.
Can Sub 4 connect to Sonos Port?
No. Port is an unamplified streaming component and cannot bond directly with Sonos Sub products.
Can I use two Sub 4s?
Yes, in supported Sonos home cinema configurations.
Can Arc Ultra use two Sub 4s?
Yes.
Can Arc Ultra use one Sub 4 and one Sub Gen 3?
Yes.
Can Arc use two Sub 4s?
Yes.
Can Beam use two Sub 4s?
Yes. Current Sonos guidance supports two Sub 4s with Beam Gen 1 and Beam Gen 2.
Can Ray use two Sub 4s?
Yes.
Can I use one Sub 4 and one older Sub Gen 2?
If Sub 4 is one of the two units, current Sonos dual-Sub rules require the other unit to be another Sub 4 or a Sub Gen 3.
Can I use two Subs with Era 300?
Sonos documents dual-Sub operation as a home cinema feature rather than a normal standalone music-speaker configuration.
Can I use two Subs with Five?
Dual-Sub operation is documented for compatible home cinema rooms rather than a conventional standalone Five music room.
Does Sub 4 have Trueplay?
Sub 4 participates in Trueplay tuning as part of its paired Sonos room.
Does Sub 4 have its own microphone?
Sonos does not specify an onboard microphone array for independent Trueplay measurement. The tuning process is determined by the paired Sonos system.
Should I run Trueplay after adding Sub 4?
Yes, once you have chosen the final position.
Can I adjust how loud Sub 4 is?
Yes. The Sonos app provides a dedicated Sub Level control.
Can I switch the subwoofer off without removing it?
Yes. The Sub Audio menu can toggle the subwoofer contribution on or off.
Does Sub 4 have phase adjustment?
Yes. 0° and 180° phase settings are available where Trueplay is not currently controlling the phase relationship.
Why can't I change phase after Trueplay?
Trueplay sets the phase relationship as part of the room tuning, so manual phase adjustment is unavailable while the Trueplay calibration remains active.
Does Sub 4 use WiFi?
Yes.
Is Sub 4 WiFi 6?
Yes. Sonos specifically describes Sub 4 as using a new WiFi 6 radio.
Does it support 5GHz WiFi?
Yes. Current Sonos specifications list 2.4GHz and 5GHz operation.
What WiFi standards are supported?
Sonos currently specifies compatibility with suitable 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax broadcast-capable routers.
Does Sub 4 support WPA3?
Yes.
Does Sub 4 have Ethernet?
Yes. A 10/100 Ethernet socket is provided.
Does it need an audio cable?
No conventional signal cable is required between Sub 4 and the compatible Sonos speaker or soundbar.
Does Sub 4 need mains power?
Yes. It is wireless for audio/network communication rather than battery powered.
How long is the supplied power cable?
Approximately two metres.
Can Sub 4 lie on its side?
Yes. Sonos officially supports horizontal placement.
Can it go underneath a sofa?
Yes, provided there is sufficient space, the acoustic opening remains clear and at least approximately 25mm of clearance is left above the horizontally positioned cabinet.
Can I place objects on top when it is horizontal?
No. Sonos advises against placing anything on top of a horizontally positioned Sub 4.
Can Sub 4 stand against a wall?
Yes. Do not block the front of the central acoustic opening.
Can Sub 4 go in a corner?
Yes. Sonos supports corner placement, although the resulting bass level can be stronger and may need adjustment.
Can Sub 4 go behind furniture?
Yes, provided the acoustic slot is not obstructed and suitable physical clearance is maintained.
What are the felt feet for?
Sonos allows permanent felt feet to be attached when Sub 4 is being used horizontally.
Can I use the centre opening as a handle?
Yes. Sonos identifies the acoustic slot as the lifting handle.
How heavy is Sub 4?
Approximately 11.79kg.
How large is Sub 4?
Approximately 389mm high, 402mm wide and 158mm deep.
What colours are available?
Black and White.
Is the finish gloss?
No. Sub 4 uses an updated matte finish.
What processor does Sub 4 use?
A quad-core processor with four A55 cores running at 1.9GHz.
How much memory does it have?
Sonos specifies 512MB DDR4 and 4GB eMMC storage.
Why does a subwoofer need that much processing?
Sub 4 is a networked Sonos component that handles wireless communication, system synchronisation, DSP, EQ and software functions rather than acting as a simple analogue powered subwoofer.
Does Sub 4 use less standby power than Sub Gen 3?
Sonos says the new generation reduces idle power consumption by up to 50%.
What is current idle consumption?
Sonos currently publishes approximately 1.89W at 230V.
What is Sub 4's operating temperature?
Approximately 0°C to 40°C.
Can Sub 4 be used outside?
No. It is a mains-powered indoor audio product and Sonos does not specify weather resistance.
Does Sub 4 work with the Sonos S1 app?
No. It requires the current Sonos app.
What is the difference between Sub 4 and Sub Mini?
Sub 4 is the larger premium model intended for greater bass output, larger rooms and more ambitious systems. Sub Mini is smaller, less expensive and particularly well suited to compact Sonos systems.
Is Sub Mini enough for Ray?
For many smaller Ray installations, Sub Mini is likely to be the more proportionate choice, although Sub 4 is fully compatible.
Which Sub is better for Arc Ultra?
Sub 4 is the current flagship Sonos subwoofer and is the natural full-size partner for Arc Ultra.
Which Sub is better for Five?
Either compatible Sonos subwoofer may suit depending on the room, but Sub 4 offers the greater full-size bass capability for more ambitious Five systems.
What comes in the box?
Sonos Sub 4, a two-metre power cable, Quickstart Guide and legal/warranty documentation.
Related Sonos Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy Sonos Sub 4 From Audio T?
Subwoofer performance depends heavily on the room. Where you position Sub 4, which Sonos product it is paired with and whether the system actually needs the full-size Sub rather than Sub Mini can make as much difference as the specification itself.
Audio T can demonstrate Sub 4 with Sonos soundbars and music speakers, compare it with Sub Mini, help find the right position and advise whether a dual-Sub system is genuinely worthwhile rather than simply adding another box for the sake of it.
- In-store Sonos demonstrations
- Sonos Sub 4 demonstrations
- Sub 4 versus Sub Mini comparisons
- Arc Ultra system demonstrations
- Beam home cinema demonstrations
- Era 300 music and surround demonstrations
- Era 100 system matching
- Sonos Five system matching
- Subwoofer positioning advice
- Trueplay setup guidance
- Sub Level setup advice
- Phase adjustment guidance
- Dual-Sub compatibility advice
- Legacy Sonos compatibility checks
- WiFi and Ethernet setup guidance
- Sonos multi-room planning
- Home cinema system planning
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to hear Sonos Sub 4, compare it with Sub Mini or build a complete Sonos music and home cinema system.